Interim UT chancellor: Scientists should branch out

Ruth CampbellStaff Writer

Published 7:00 pm, Monday, October 20, 2008

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Interim UT chancellor: Scientists should branch out

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ODESSA - Students studying the sciences also should educate themselves in the humanities, social sciences and arts to become well rounded and think critically and creatively, Dr. Kenneth I. Shine, UT System Chancellor ad Interim told those attending the 13th annual President's Day Convocation at University of Texas of the Permian Basin.

The gathering was held Tuesday at the Library Lecture Hall on campus. This was Shine's first visit to UTPB.

"If you think about 21st century science, for example, which is my field, it's become a team sport. Yes, there are individual scientists able to do great things in their laboratories by themselves, but the day of the great scientist in the smoke-filled room operating alone have long since gone, said Shine, whose presentation was titled "For the Want of a Nail: The Critical Role of the Prepared Mind."

Shine is a cardiologist and physiologist, who before being named interim chancellor was executive vice chancellor for health affairs overseeing six health institutions. Unlike the "Nail" rhyme, he said life, like science, is not linear and college graduates may have as many as six jobs in their lifetime.

"From my perspective, it's important that graduates know how to think critically, learn to make good decisions and find information to inform themselves. Those fundamental skills will help them succeed," Shine said.

Shine's field of cardiology includes medical imaging, which he said needs mathematicians, physicists, engineers, physicians and biologists.

Sequencing the genome was a result of cooperation between computer science and genetics. Artificial heart valves were also the product of physicians, engineers, surgeons and others working together to save people from dying of heart failure.

While it's clear these disciplines have to work together to advance medical science, Shine said, "I would argue that educating young people that are interested in science and medicine requires that they have knowledge outside of those fields in the social sciences, humanities and the arts."

On average, Shine said, 25 percent of UT students are in science, technology, engineering and math fields. The national average is 17 percent. The UT System has allocated ,2.6 billion for science, math, engineering and technology facilities throughout the system. Additionally, ,140 million has been spent helping campuses recruit the best faculty possible.

Shine took time after his remarks to talk to a group of pre-med students.

"To see how he's so branched out in other areas, it really inspired me to do the same thing. My minor was history. I'm interested in all areas," Joanna Hernandez said.

Stephanie Villarreal said students understand there's more to becoming a doctor than just knowing your science.

"There's a social aspect when you're interacting with individuals," Villarreal said. "As future physicians we understand that it's more than just identifying and diagnosis, it's being able to communicate with that patient."

Who is Dr. Kenneth I. Shine?

Shine received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School. He is professor emeritus, former dean and provost at University of California at Los Angeles and served as president of the Institute of Medicine from 1992-2002. During that time, IOM researchers studied and reported on key health care issues including nutrition, food safety, child development and the side effects of vaccines.

His previous service to patients was focused on delivering health care to all Americans by developing cultural sensitivity. He was the founding director of the RAND Center for Domestic and International Health Security. In that role, he worked with international health experts on emerging infectious diseases, bioethics and access to care.